BX23 Maintenance

HoggyB · May 3, 2004

Ha, I got to dig my trench today....for the the third time.

The first time through I ended up with some shallow spots and then it rained, so I went back and cleaned up most of it.

Then I had to put my project on hold and we got a couple of hard rains and my 4 foot deep trench became a 2 foot deep trench with lots of water in it. At least the digging was good. Like a chainsaw through butter.

Straddling the ditch was a puckering experience, especially since the trench is for a 25' 90 degree sweep, but I didn't fall in. It's amazing what stabilizers can do.

Anyway, it's time for a little maintenance and I have a few questions for those who have gone before:

1. Is there an easy way to add Super UDT with the backhoe installed? I can hardly get in there to check the level. Filling it looks to be almost impossible.

2. What kind of grease do you guys use? I found two types of grease and neither of them appears to be designated for "extreme pressure" which is what the manual recommends for the FEL.

Hog

gsxr1100 · May 3, 2004

I have a Bx22 but they are 95% the same.

1) nope, you will need to remove the BH to add fluid. Removing the BH will get quicker abd easier with time.

2) I use a NLGI #1 (Lithium Complex - Moly Fortified) on my FEL and BH. It is for low speed high stress.

* I grease every 10 to 12 hours of use.

Rimmer · May 3, 2004

No, repeat No, you do not need to remove the backhoe.

Pick up one of those flex funnels -- mine is galvanized steel with a brass screen in it, and a long, flexible tube at the bottom about 15 inches long, or so. Don't forget to tilt your seat forward against the steering wheel. That will give you a lot more working room, as well as better visibility. I think TSC carries the funnels, by the way. I've had mine for ages, and don't remember where I got it.

I had a heck of a time finding Moly EP grease around here. Finally found some at an auto parts store. It says it meets Ford automotive specs, I think. Later I found that my Kubota dealer carries it, and it's about the same price as what I got from the auto parts store.

Oh, yeah, adding SUDT is one thing -- getting the hydro strainer off with the BH attached may be difficult, though.

gsxr1100 · May 3, 2004

as Rimmer stated you do not have to but it sure makes it WAY easier. I also have a funnel with hose on it and it is still a pain in the behind to remove the fill cap and dip stick when checking.

IMO, It is just easier to take the 3 minutes to remove the BH then send 3 to 4x as long trying to get your hands in there.

Junkman · May 4, 2004

You can also just pivot the backhoe out of the way and leave it hooked up. Just release the pins and use the dipper stick as if to remove it. Gets it out of the way, and back in place in less time than it takes to try to fill without making a mess.....

SCB · May 4, 2004

I use a similar setup Rimmer. I don't use a flex funnel though. I have long funnel that will fit right into the top link hold down and then use tubing on the end. It gives me a hands free pouring operation for those 2 1/2 gallon jugs of sudt.

Rimmer · May 5, 2004

"You can also just pivot the backhoe out of the way and leave it hooked up..."

Good Grief! That is clever -- wish I had thought of it. But then, most of the time I even forget to tilt the seat forward.

Now if I could just come up with a way to remember that the ROPS if folded down (inside the barn) when I'm hooking up a three-point implement ("clang -- OUCH!"). /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

Rimmer · May 6, 2004

"...long funnel that will fit right into the top link hold down..."

I do the same with my flex funnel -- works great, and as you say, leaves your hands free for pouring.

jpr62902 · May 6, 2004

"Now if I could just come up with a way to remember that the ROPS if folded down (inside the barn) when I'm hooking up a three-point implement ("clang -- OUCH!")."

Can I get an AMEN! from the TBN congregaaaayyshun? If I'm not banging my head on the folded ROPS, I'm tearin' up the garage because I forget to put the ROPS back down (after I put it up to avoid bangin' my head). Either way, I still get a huge headache. /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

mrgries · May 6, 2004

I went as far as to print up a "ROPS DOWN?" sign on the entrace to my shed just inside the doors where I keep "ubo" parked - one set of marks on the shed was all it took.